This weekend is round 16 of the Eredivisie and Michael Statham continues to provide his preview and predictions for each match. Last weekend saw Michael score six correct results out of nine with one correct score. This matchweek includes a historically tough fixture for Ajax as they visit Utrecht while strugglers Twente and De Graafschap meet in Enschede.
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Friday, December 11
Heerenveen v Excelsior
Foppe De Haan has done a great job of rejuvenating his team. The Frisians have scored 14 goals in De Haan’s first six league games in charge. Heerenveen now look a threat and it’s a difficult place for teams to go again.
Excelsior will as usual set up well and be difficult to beat, whilst also carrying a threat through their front three on the break.
Although Heerenveen can only be beaten it seems when teams go at them to outscore them. Excelsior’s limited style away from home will suit the home side.
Prediction: 2-0
Saturday, December 12
ADO Den Haag v Willem II
ADO and Willem II both come into this one on the back of wins, having only totalled four league wins all season together before last weekend.
The home side seem to higher their performance level for the better sides in the division. Out of their three wins in this campaign they have beaten last season’s third and fourth placed teams, but have failed to reproduce the same level of performances against the majority of the other teams in the league.
Meanwhile Willem II finally look to be finding the form of last season again, having gained seven points out the last nine and scoring eight goals along the way. Another point here keeps them on track.
Prediction: 1-1
PSV v Roda JC
Another outstanding European performance from PSV has given some pride back to Dutch football after recent torrid times. Against CSKA, it seemed as though the champions could score whenever they wanted to, or whenever they needed to. They comfortably held the Russians at arm’s length.
Roda were lacklustre against Groningen, but at least they kept a clean sheet to help plug the gaping holes that their defence was developing.
Of course, it will be extremely tough for Darije Kalezic’s men to gain anything from this one, and I have to back what will be a confident PSV to win.
Prediction: 3-0
Cambuur v NEC
Another feeble performance from Cambuur sees them sink into deeper trouble given that their rivals just above them are starting to pick up wins. Even Bartholomew Ogbeche’s goals have dried up since his return from injury.
NEC produced a good comeback from two goals down last week and are still one of the form sides in the division.
I can’t see why NEC shouldn’t come away from this game with all three points.
Prediction: 0-2
Twente v De Graafschap
Having conceded 19 goals in only five games, Twente fans would have welcomed the 1-1 draw with Excelsior, which was ultimately handed to them on a plate.
De Superboeren went back to that familiar sinking feeling following a defeat to Utrecht.
I still think there is some fight left in Jan Vreman’s team though, and this is a really important game for the visitors as they look to lift themselves off the bottom of the table.
I hope Rene Hake has been working on his defence all week, because if that remains tight enough, Hakim Ziyech’s magic should be enough to hold off the bottom side.
Prediction: 3-1
Sunday, December 13
Utrecht v Ajax
Utrecht are a side I’m following with keen interest, given how they’ve performed in recent weeks. Their attack gains more fluidity each week and the defence, whilst still being a work in progress, is improving.
Anwar El Ghazi returned to the Ajax side on Thursday to help gain some fitness. He nearly helped his side to a win over Molde, but yet again Frank De Boer’s team failed to win Europe, admittedly on this occasion they were very unlucky.
Ajax have an awful record in Utrecht, having failed to win on six of their last seven visits. Plus with the home side on form at the moment, especially in front of their home fans, I’ll go for a draw.
Prediction: 2-2
Groningen v Feyenoord
Groningen produced their best European performance on Thursday to earn a draw with Braga. Had they converted their chances, they would have been celebrating a first ever win in Europe.
Feyenoord saw off a spirited Heracles in their last match, and may be better off with a full week’s rest compared to the home side.
Although Groningen has been a very tough place to go this season and I don’t think Feyenoord should see this as two points lost if they do end up getting a draw here.
Prediction: 1-1
PEC Zwolle v AZ
It was a much improved performance from Lars Veldwijk last weekend. He may not have put away all the chances that came his way but it was a much improved game from the Nottingham Forest loanee, who in recent weeks was not as motivated to turn out for Zwolle.
AZ yet again are showing their inconsistency. They went down with a wimper against ADO but were excellent in Bilbao on Thursday.
Vincent Janssen showed a potential return to form in that game too as he caused the Athletico defence many problems with his strength and constant running in behind.
Players like Markus Henriksen and Mounir El Hamdaoui were rested for the Europa League game too. Plus with Ron Vlaar a potential debutant, AZ look too strong for PEC.
Prediction: 1-2
Heracles v Vitesse
To finish the weekend’s action is a nice match in the sub-top of the Eredivisie.
Heracles showed why they sit in such a proud position in the league with some nice play in De Kuip, Oussama Tannane and Iliass Bel Hassani were both particularly dangerous.
Yet they were ultimately undone by better quality. The 3-0 scoreline was harsh on them though.
Vitesse were incredibly unlucky to lose to PSV. They had all the best chances in the second half, Solanke and Rashica were guilty of missing sitters to put their side ahead. Most importantly, Vitesse performed very strongly, so I actually fancy them to win in Almelo as they are a very good side on their day.
Prediction: 1-2
How have I done so far?
Week 1: 4 results
Week 2: 3 results, 1 correct score
Week 3: 7 results, 1 correct score
Week 4: 4 results, 1 correct score
Week 5: 7 results, 2 correct scores
Week 6: 4 results, 1 correct score
Week 7: 7 results
Week 8: 5 results, 1 correct score
Week 9: 5 results, 1 correct score
Week 10: 4 results, 1 correct score
Week 11: 4 results, 1 correct score
Week 12: 3 results, 1 correct score
Week 13: 5 results
Week 14: 6 results
Week 15: 6 results, 1 correct score
Think you can better my predictions? Tweet me! @EredivisieMike or tweet @football_oranje or comment below with yours…
In the coming weeks I am looking to take on other fellow Football Oranje writers and possibly even some Eredivisie players. Stay tuned for more info on that front…
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Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.
